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Packaging - ***
The small bubble packages have a unique
shape, and there's very little waste. The general logo design is pretty
basic, but it follows the movie look of course. Another plus is the
inclusion of instructions, which make using the various features much
easier.
I suspect some folks will find
the tri-logo text annoying, as it does tend to fill up the cardback.
Sculpting - J **; Stalk
Eyes ***
A quick glance at Agent
J, and you might assume I'm being too hard on him. It's not a bad
likeness, although the head itself is a smidge too small for the body.
There's
not a ton of detail in the sculpt either, but it's reasonable
considering the license. So why the low score? Because I'm including
the serious quality problem I encountered.
I didn't notice it in
the package, but I should have. He has two left hands! While this is
hopefully just a problem with my figure, it's possible that a whole
batch ended up this way. Be sure to pay extra attention when you're
grabbing these off the shelf.
Stalker Eyes doesn't suffer from
the same or even any similar issues. His head sculpt has more detail
work on the skin texture, and while the body is pretty boring, he's
still a interesting alien overall.
These are in a 4" scale,
with J at that height and Eyes just a smidge taller. They'll fit in
with most other recent lines in this same scale, such as Star Wars.
Paint - ***
This is
pretty basic mass market paint work, but there's no real slop or overt
quality issues. There's a minimum of detail, and many of the larger
pieces are simply cast in the right color, but what paint work is here
is relatively clean. The consistency of the color and finish is good as
well.
The one area that could have had
a better application is
the Stalker Eyes teeth. While it's clear dental hygiene isn't his top
priority, there's still more mess than you'd like.
Articulation - **1/2
There's basic articulation here, nothing to make them super posable,
but all the joints work well and allow for decent play and posing.
The
neck is a regular cut joint, although it does have a little tilt to it.
The post/disc shoulders don't have as great of a range of movement as a
real ball, but they work fairly well for standard posing.
The
arms also have pin elbows and cut wrists, while the legs have ball
hips, pin knees and cut ankles. The pants don't allow for muchankle
movement, however. Likewise, there's a cut waist, but the jacket is a
bit restrictive.
You aren't going to get any
super deep action poses out of these, but the articulation is
sufficient for standard poses.
Accessories - ***
Each figure comes with a funky cool laser gun of some sort, and they
can hold them easily in their hands. The sculpts are a little soft, but
not bad for this smaller scale.
Both
figures also come with a transforming ring. Not sure if the ring
concept makes any sense with the film - this isn't Green Lantern after
all - but it's certainly different than the usual fare.
The rings
come folded up so you can wear them (sort of), but with a push of a
small red button, they pop out into some sort of contraption for use
with the figure.
J's turns into a 'sonic
drifter', while the ring
that comes with Stalker Eyes turns into a clip on set of roto-blades.
The little blades actually turn (manually) inside the housing.
J can actually fit on his
drifter, and the base is designed to remain upright while he's in place.
It's not a ton of extras
considering the ten dollar price point, but they do add a little play
value.
Fun Factor - ***
These
figures fit in nicely with other lines, scale-wise, and the joints are
solid. These are made for real play, and can hold up to it easily
enough.
Value - **
Ten bucks? It's an awfully tough price point to
swallow for 4" figures. Eight bucks seems closer to right, even with
the funky rings.
Things to Watch Out For -
Not a thing! These are very well made, sturdy figures, with little
chance of breakage.
Overall - Stalk Eyes
***; Agent J **1/2
I looked over all
the figures from the line, and there's nothing here that's going to get
collectors excited. They aren't bad figures though, covering the key
characters and some cool aliens. The articulation is reasonable, the
sculpts decent, and my one real issue - the wrong hand on J - is
hopefully an exception, not the rule. Kids may enjoy them, depending on
how well the movie does, and you could always add them into the
rotation with other 4" scale toys.
Score Recap:
Packaging - ***
Sculpting - J **; Stalk Eyes ***
Paint - ***
Articulation - **1/2
Accessories - ***
Fun Factor - ***
Value - **
Overall - Stalk Eyes ***; Agent J **1/2
Where to Buy -
Right now your best option is the local Toys R Us, although I'm betting
other mass market retailers will pick these up over the next couple
weeks.
Related
Links -
Somewhat surprising, at least to me, is that this is my first Men in
Black related review in 13 years!
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